1. Reason for Policy

Research is a global endeavor, and international experiences and opportunities are vital in preparing Georgia Tech’s students to become leaders who meet the challenges of the future. It is sometimes challenging to conduct these programs in compliance with complex laws and regulations that change frequently. The Office of Research Integrity Assurance (ORIA), in coordination with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and the Research Security Department (RSD), assists faculty members with the review of research proposals and awards and when appropriate prepares Technology Control Plans (TCP) to protect export controlled technology.

2. Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) to fully comply with all applicable federal statutes, executive orders, regulations, and contractual requirements for the safeguarding of export controlled technical information in its possession. This includes full and total compliance with export controls and transfer of controlled technology. Under no circumstances shall employees or other persons acting on behalf of GIT engage in activities in contravention of U.S. export control laws. In general, export controlled Information means activities, items, and information related to the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, operation, modification, demilitarization, destruction, processing, or use of items with a capacity for military application utility. Export controlled information does not include basic marketing information on function or purpose; general system descriptions; or information concerning general scientific, mathematical, or engineering principles commonly taught in schools, colleges and universities or information in the public domain.

The export of equipment and information including technical data, software and hardware is controlled by federal regulations such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Information such as brochures, proposals, site visits and technical discussions are deemed "technical data." Exporting information or talking to a foreign sponsor (either in the U.S. or abroad) about certain types of technical data which may have a possible military application requires a State Department export license, which may take up to three months to obtain. Exporting information or a commodity which does not have significant military application usually requires obtaining one or more of the following: an assurance which precludes reexport; supporting documentation; or a Commerce Department export license. Export of some items to certain countries and some types of subcontracts with those countries are prohibited altogether. For more information: http://www.export.gatech.edu/